The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has voiced its strong opposition to the Court of Appeal’s decision to sentence six former students of the National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM) to death by hanging.
The sentence was handed down for their involvement in the murder of Naval Cadet Officer Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain, which occurred seven years ago, as reported by MalaysiaKini.
SUHAKAM opposes death penalty imposed on Zulfarhan’s bullies
In an official statement, Suhakam expressed sympathy for the victim’s family and recognised the gravity of the crime. However, they argued that the death penalty is neither a fair nor effective solution.
Suhakam has urged the Malaysian government to reconsider the implementation of the death penalty and to work towards creating a more equitable and humane justice system.
The commission emphasised that the death penalty is irreversible and does not allow for rectification in cases of judicial errors.
‘Focus on the rehabilitative aspects of the justice system’
Furthermore, Suhakam highlighted that the death penalty contradicts the global movement towards its abolition, which is recognised by many countries as inhumane and a violation of human rights.
Suhakam described the Court of Appeal’s decision as a sad and significant moment in Malaysia’s judicial history.
They stressed the importance of focusing on the rehabilitative aspects of the justice system, which can transform offenders into more responsible members of society.
This approach addresses the root causes of violent behaviour and helps prevent similar incidents in the future by promoting understanding, empathy, and social responsibility among offenders.
SUHAKAM: abolition of death penalty
Reiterating their commitment to human rights, Suhakam stated that their mandate includes supporting the abolition of the death penalty.
They expressed hope that the Malaysian government will consider this perspective and move towards reforming the justice system to be more inclusive and humane.
Background of the case
Last Tuesday, a three-judge panel of the Court of Appeal unanimously found the six former students guilty and overturned their initial conviction for causing death without intent to kill.
Judge Hadhariah Syed Ismail, who led the panel, stated that the previous 18-year sentence handed down by the Kuala Lumpur High Court did not match the brutality of the crime committed by the former students.
Zulfarhan died at Serdang Hospital on June 1, 2017, due to injuries from 90 steam iron burns that caused approximately 80 percent of his body to be scalded.
The 21-year-old was allegedly attacked for refusing to admit to stealing a laptop belonging to one of the six former students at the university dormitory in Kuala Lumpur.
The individuals found guilty are Mohd Hafiz Fauzan Ismail, Mohamad Lukhmanul Hakim Mohd Zain, Ahmad Shafwan Berdal, Muhammad Amirul Asraff Mala, Luqman Hakim Shamsuri Agus, Muhammad Sufi Mohd Mustapha, Noriznan Izzairi Noor Azhar, Muhamad Ashraf Abdullah, Muhammad Danial Firdaus Azmir, Muhammad Hasif Ismail, Muhammad Adib Iman Fuad Ady Sani, and Mohamad Syazwan Musa.
